Showing posts with label Sigma Kappa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sigma Kappa. Show all posts

An Inspirational Boat Ride 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 -
Have you ever gone on a trip with high expectations, only to have them exceeded?  That is exactly what happened during my trip with the Sigma Kappa Foundation while in Maine.  In addition to spending a great morning in Waterville at Colby College, we were able to continue our pilgrimage to Bar Harbor.

Many people vacation in Bar Harbor.  The beautiful coast, all the lobster you can eat, and a community of friendly people.  But we weren't there just to take in all those great things.  We were there to experience the Maine Sea Coast Mission. A not for profit organization that helps the Maine coastal and island communities through a variety of programs, including youth development, medical assistance, and what Sigma Kappas know best, their Christmas program.

We spent the first part of our afternoon on the Sunbeam.  Yes, for all the SK ladies out there, THE Sunbeam.  Sunbeam 5 to be exact.  This glorious boat is more than a boat.  It is a sign of hope for communities across the coast.  A sign of inspiration to the people on the islands and in the communities.  To spend a few hours on this exceptional piece of inspiration was, well, inspiring.

This is your captain speaking...
Well, this is really your captain speaking. Thanks Mike!
I didn't know what to expect out of the boat, but it exceeded any thought I could have had.  It was roomy and full of capabilities that could help make lives better.  A powerful staff was on board - one full of a desire to help those around. You couldn't help but smile and feel like a part of their family. They were accommodating, welcoming, friendly and energizing. I learned so much about the organization I have supported for the past 11 years (and one that Sigma Kappa Foundation and Sorority have for 100 years!).  Thanks isn't enough to show the gratitude I feel for these men and women who serve this community.



And did I mention that one of the staff members, Pat, is an amazing cook?  Thanks for allowing me to continue my lobster mission with those fantastic lobster rolls - thanks Pat!



The experience on the Sunbeam is one I will never forget.  The staff was amazing, the experience was epic.  And knowing all of it is done for a cause that is larger than I thought is a cherry on top.  After a few hours we headed back to shore to spend sometime at the headquarters.  More to come on this...

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(More) Stomping 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 -
A quick photo wasn't all that I would supply you with from my last post.  Absolutely not!  I took so many photos during my trip to Colby College in Waterville, ME that I did want to share more with you.  Photo recap...and go!

 These are photos of Coburn dormitory - named after one of SK's founders.

A group of 23 of us wandered our way around the Northeastern university located in Waterville, Maine.  We found two dorms named after two of our founders - Mary Low Carver and Louise Helen Coburn.  Plaques showcasing a bit of our history adorned buildings, for these women were extraordinary.  In the late 1800's, sometimes extraordinary was overshadowed.  Prime example, Carver was first in her class but she wasn't allowed to speak at graduation because she was a woman.  But this didn't stop these women from excelling.


Photos of Mary Low Carver's dormitory, another SK founder! 

When documents are kept on something or someone, you once again know they are extraordinary.  We were surprised by visiting the library and discovering all of these great photos and documents showcasing the Alpha chapter and founders.  A big thank you to the Sigma Kappa Foundation for working with the archivist at the library and making this possible.


A collage of just a few photos and documents from Colby's library.  

I'm not kidding when I say this.  The national president and I squealed when we walked into the room.  I got goosebumps. I felt water rising in my eyes (though it didn't come out).  Words can't describe how honored I am to have experienced this.



These two are my favorites.  Why?  Because we all know so many photos from that time period were bland. No smiles. No sort of reaction.  These photos show sisterhood to me - the finest you can show in that period of time. They look casual, comfortable and laid back. Love it.

And one last photo - my wearing (okay, really holding) an Alpha badge created for Mary Low Carver!  If you are a SK, you can geek out now....just sayin'...  If not, just know this is pretty fantastic!


All of this is only the beginning.  For anyone who is part of the fraternal community, I know I don't have to explain how inspirational and moving it is to experience the roots of your organization.  Even as I experience my organization on a daily basis through work and volunteering, I was re-energized and left full of a new appreciation. 

And finally, a note for my readers - my apologies for being MIA.  A few of you who I know personally have definitely given me a friendly slap for not being around, but that doesn't mean I haven't been doing anything!  If anything, it means that I HAVE been extremely busy...so busy, that blogging has been put on the back burner.  But alas, I'm still cooking, traveling and entertaining life daily...I promise.  More to come soon!

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Stomping Grounds 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 -
I was extremely fortunate enough to make a pilgrimage to Colby College this past weekend.  This is an extremely special trip to me because it is where my national sorority was founded. Colby is the stomping grounds of my organization.


In 1874, five extraordinary women came together and from an idea and friendship, formed an organization.  I bet they had no idea that someday, over 145,000 women would be part of this 'small' group of theirs.  And I know they had absolutely no idea that I would be visiting their university 137 years later.




Happy Founders' Day to all of my Sigma Kappa sisters across the world!

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Christmas in Maine 

Monday, November 7, 2011 -
After spending a few hours on the Sunbeam, the group headed over to the Maine Sea Coast Mission's headquarters.  The building took my breath away - a gracious donation to the organization left a historical building that houses amazing work and programs for the coastal communities.




Once a family's home, this three story mansion has amazing architecture and history of family and servants living together.  Not to mention, a view.  A gorgeous view of the ocean and Maine coastline.  Once again, it took my breath away.

The first floor has a variety of rooms with archives, a conference room and kitchen for the staff members.  The second, what was once the family bedrooms is now the staff offices.  And the third floor - the third floor is something quite special.



What was once the servants bedrooms is now rooms full of items for children, adults, prisoners, and other members of communities the Mission serves.  These items are used for the Christmas Program.  The Christmas Program brings joy to many people during the holiday season, and our group was more than happy to have the opportunity to help bundle, wrap and label gifts.

It may not seem like much to you, but these few hours were inspiring.  I feel the desire to give more, to help more.  This is a rewarding program for all the volunteers as well as the recipients.



The whole weekend was a whirlwind of an experience.  I met some amazing women that I'm proud to call my sisters.  I met a dedicated staff of a great organization and was able to give a little back.  And I was filled with with a desire to keep on giving.  I am honored to have been given this experience, and I am responsibility for sharing it with my sisters, my friends.  Pride doesn't even begin to describe what I feel about my Founders' and all that they have done for my organization.

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A Wedding in Cambridge 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 -
I had a great time with friends this past weekend in Boston.  I had flown in to spend sometime with my friend DC, who cooked me a great meal of salmon, garlic potatoes and sauteed kale & mushrooms on Friday evening.  We enjoyed a bottle of wine and some cupcakes from Baby Cakes, located in Quincy.  I loved spending the evening with her (thanks Denise!), but the initial weekend visit was planned because of the wedding of my two dear friends, Maggie & Paul!

After getting a mani with Denise, I made my way to Michelle & Bret's apartment.  Michelle was a bridesmaid, so I hung out with Bret (they are engaged to be married in 2012, which I am also honored to be the wedding coordinator for!) until we made our way to Hotel Marlowe for the wedding.  I met Paul when I was pledging Sigma Kappa Sorority in 2000.  We were instant friends, so when Maggie (who I met when she pledged Sigma Kappa a few years later to became a sister of mine) and Paul ended up dating, I couldn't have been happier for the two of them.  Warm fuzzies when two friends tie the knot - the ceremony and reception were perfectly them in all characteristics.  Here are some photos:


It was great to see friends from the Delta Upsilon chapter as well as my dear Sigma Kappa friends.  Thanks Michelle & Bret for allowing me to crash your couch - much appreciated, can't wait to do it again!

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Sigma Kappa Founders' Day 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 -
As many of you know, I'm a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority,and staying involved locally as an alumna has always been very important to me.  This year is no different as I celebrate being a member for 10 years!  I work for the organization, serve as an advisor at Purdue, and also serve as the Indy Sigma Kappa alumnae chapter president.  I love my organization and I believe in being a Greek member of the National Panhellenic Conference.

Today, November 9th, is Sigma Kappa's Founders' Day.  In 1874, five women colonized our Alpha chapter at Colby College and we've grown ever since.  This past weekend, I was able to celebrate with a few members from our alumnae chapter at Mesh on Mass.  The food was delightful, conversations entertaining, and the venue was surprisingly great for our event.
For lunch, I had a great rock shrimp Caesar salad.  Crisp romaine lettuce was dressed with a creamy Caesar dressing and topped with thin slices of Parmesan cheese and shrimp.  I was told the shrimp was to be spicy, but it didn't have any kind of kick to it all.  It was a spicy chili aioli, but rather than any spice, I just got the creaminess from the mayo-like tossing.  This didn't mean it wasn't delicious, just not spicy like I expected, which would have been great with the peppercorn Caesar dressing.

Desserts were flowing too - including pieces of a chocolate truffle which was creamy and rich.  There were also praline cheesecake bites covered in a sweet caramel sauce.  And the best (which really surprised me) was the white chocolate cherry bread pudding that was covered in whiskey sauce.  It was not overly sweet, thick like bread pudding should be, warm and delectable. 

Random side note - Mesh took over for Scholar's Inn a while back, and unlike everyone else in Indy, I wasn't a fan of Scholar's Inn.  I felt the service was lacking, atmosphere was pretentious, and the food was lackluster.  However, Mesh on Mass, I really enjoyed it and what they did to the restaurant.  I'll definitely be heading back next time I'm on Mass!

We had a great program and shared great conversations throughout the luncheon.  The best thing about it all?  I would not have met any of these women if it wasn't for my organization.  And one of my best friends in the whole world was at this luncheon - amazing to think we would not have met if I never joined.  From my sisters at UMass to all of the women I've met after college, I'm thankful for these friends I have made through the years.  Happy 10 year anniversary to all my Fall 2000 Beta Eta women - we are celebrating 10 years as a Sigma Kappa on November 17th!  

Are you Greek, and if so, what do you enjoy about it? 

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Friday Hodge Podge 

Friday, October 29, 2010 -
Halloween is right around the corner, and there is a lot going on!

First - MM and I dressed up as Salt & Pepper and are rocking our outfits at work.  Love that I am able to wear sweat pants 6 years in a row through different costumes.  Comfort is a must when working, but rarely can you be this comfortable.
Secondly - MM and I are running our first 5K tomorrow morning.  It is chilly - we both ran last night on different parts of the Monon and ran by only one or two people.  It was so odd to be running "alone" in the chilly evening air.  Alas, our first 5K is called the 'Ghosts & Goblins' and couldn't be more of a convenient course (it literally runs by my house.)  I'm excited to accomplish this with MM - wish us luck, numbers 179 and 200 (and if you feel like cheering us on, plan to be at Carmel High School at approximately 9:30a.m.!)
Lastly, Halloween is on Sunday.  Which means our annual Halloween party is tomorrow night!  As you may have read, we are hosting a Tim Burton themed event and couldn't be more excited.  Hubs and I have been putting the finishing touches on the house all week - here is the lineup:
  • Garage - Edward Scissorhands
  • Den/Office - Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
  • Stairwell to 2nd floor - Nightmare Before Christmas
  • Living Room - Corpse Bride
  • Kitchen/Dining - Alice in Wonderland
  • Stairwell to 3rd floor - Sleepy Hollow
  • Guest Bedroom - Batman
Yes, each room is decorated for a Burton film, and we are excited to have our guests arrive in their best Burton costume!  Photo recap of course will be posted, but until then, you will just have to wait and see.

What are your weekend plans?  Are you going to dress up, and if so, as what?

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The Emerald City! 

Saturday, October 9, 2010 -
Seattle...what a beautiful city to visit during our anniversary trip!  We had started north of the city and in Vancouver, but were really excited to make our way to downtown Seattle to see what the city was all about.  It was a wonderful experience: we got to see so much, eat some fantastic food and drink some great brews and vintages.  And the views - lots of great things to look at!  Thank you to all of those who reached out to friends in the area to give us the "must see's" of the city, the information was invaluable.  Alas, another photo recap (and I'll get to the food, wine and beer soon!):

After getting to our hotel, we quickly dropped our bags off and made way to the sports area of Seattle.  I wanted to see where the Seahawks and Mariners played their home games, and there was also a brewery in the area we wanted to see. We didn't go inside (though there was a Mariner's game that evening,) but I can say both vicinities were quite impressive.  Outside of Qwest Field, more specifically the Seahawks pro shop, there were these huge sculptures.  I have no idea what they meant, but they were so interesting.  I LOVED the big mit outside of Safeco (Mariners), I couldn't resist to sit down in it.  Elysian Brewery was a great spot to relax after walking around (though the lack of pumpkin brews was a disappointment, more on that later...)

After lunch, we walked around the Pioneer Square - a historical yet eclectic district where "the home" of Seattle really is.  We learned so much about Seattle's history - why you may ask?  Because we decided to take an underground tour of the city.  Did you know the city built itself ontop of itself?!  Let me explain briefly - there was a fire that destroyed Seattle, and in dealing with high tides of the ocean, they built themselves higher than the original city.  There are sidewalks one story down from the real streets.  It was an interesting and amusing tour of the area.  I highly recommend you take it if you ever visit the city.  After, we walked around the shops and made our way back to the hotel before cleaning up for dinner at Etta's, one of the restaurants of the renowned James Beard receipient, Tom Douglas.  Nom.

We began the following day by making a stop at SAM - the Seattle Art Museum.  The Renaissance, where we were staying, has free tickets for their guests so we took advantage of this opportunity and strolled a few blocks to see some great exhibits.  It is a gorgeous, two level museum with both modern and traditional exhibits.  My favorites included the car exhibit in the entrance, the huge mouse that was staring at a sleeping man, and the Chinese garment made out of army dog tags.  Amazing.
 
 

When people think of Seattle, most think of Pike Place Market.  And why shouldn't one - we absolutley were excited to make our way there after the museum.  We grabbed drinks from the original Starbucks - isn't anything too spectacular though I did have the best soy pumpkin latte of my life (hubs got a mocha) - and then began our journey through the market.  We spent the majority of the day smelling fresh flowers, tasting the best smoked salmon jerky that could have possibility been made, and touching all of the crafts that were for sale in this farmer's market.  Cheeses, homemade pastas, sauces, honey...there was so much to taste - but the wonder of it all was the seafood.  I love seafood and had had no problem gawking over the salmon, halibut cheeks, clams, oysters, mussels...you name it, everything looked divine. 




We started to snack in the market, but I saved my appetite because I was dying to try Matt's in the Market - I was extremely happy that I did because the food was amazing.  We also made a stop in The Tasting Room, a fantastic place for flights of wine in Post Alley (I admit, we spent a lot of time in there!)  And of course, a stop at the gum wall was a must.  We were having a great time (I mean really, I'm in this fabulous city with the one I love, what could be better?!) and then hubs stopped to buy me some flowers.  Gorgeous, and extremely reasonable on cost.  I am quoting him, "If we lived here, I'd give you flowers at least three times a week."  Put that in the books people, it is now written down!  After a stop at the hotel, we meandered our way to Serious Pie, another of Tom Douglas' restaurants, for some much talked about pizza. 



We spent our final day visiting the University of Washington, as I always had this 'thing' about wanting to attend there.  The women of the Sigma Kappa Mu chapter took us on a tour of their beautiful home, as well as showed us around the area of the Greek life.  We also made a stop in the University Store, where I got my hoodie from the University - Go Huskies!  I had then wanted to try Poppy for lunch, but alas, it was closed on Saturday until dinner, so we grabbed some sushi instead.  We then hopped on a city bus (side note - it is free in the downtown area until 7pm...everyday...isn't that amazing?!) and made our way to the first spot that made us feel like a tourist - the Space Needle.  The views were great, but I do have to say I was a little disappointed as I thought it was taller.  But still, beautiful view of the city. 

We had an early flight the next morning, so we ate some dinner (we have this tradition about relaxing in the hotel room and getting room service on our last night - no idea why, but we do) and watched some tv before saying our goodbyes to the Emerald City.  Was it sad leaving?  Absolutely.  I love Seattle - it is a modern city with young history, a city full of vibrant food, culture and landscape.  Will we go again?  Absolutely - there is still so much more to try, see and experience.  After all, isn't that what traveling is all about?

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